Members of the local Bailliage were joined by confrères from the Greater Lisbon area and from Germany to celebrate their traditional black tie Christmas dinner.

This year’s celebration was held at O Pescador restaurant at the Pine Cliffs Resort in Albufeira. Chef Fabio Reis and his team had prepared a feast which was accompanied by wines from the Herdade do Freixo and Monte do Zambujeiro.

To begin: a traditional Portuguese dish, xerem which consists of corn wheat porridge with local flavours together with octopus patties and roasted garlic.

Then a chestnut and brown apple soup was served followed by a slowly cooked egg with foie gras, foamy ceps and crunchy leek toping.

Next, a traditional Portuguese Christmas dish of cod, in this case confit served with a black bean and kale salad.

The meat course consisted of belly of suckling pig with orange textures, potato soufflé and broad bean puree.

A cucumber, basil and citrus foam palate cleanser preceded dessert of French toast, vanilla cream and goat’s cheese.

Tea and coffee with sweetmeats brought to an end both the Christmas celebrations and our gastronomic year.

The convivial gathering was held in the true spirit of the Chaîne bringing together professional and amateur enthusiasts who share the same values of quality fine dining and the pleasures of the table.

Valerie Lantau
Vice-Chargée de Presse